1.
question mark
The punctuation mark (?) used to indicate a question.
文の最後に疑問符をつける。
Put a question mark at the end of the sentence.
日本語では疑問符を使わないことも多い。
In Japanese, question marks are often not used.
疑問符と感嘆符の使い分けを覚えましょう。
Let's learn the difference between question marks and exclamation marks.
2.
doubt; skepticism; question
A figurative expression of doubt or uncertainty about something, as in 'casting doubt upon.'
その説明には疑問符がつく。
That explanation raises questions.
彼の能力に疑問符が付けられている。
Doubts have been cast on his ability.
計画の実現性に大きな疑問符がつくと専門家は指摘した。
Experts pointed out that there are major questions about the plan's feasibility.
Composed of 疑問 (question, doubt) + 符 (mark, symbol). The literal sense (punctuation mark) and the figurative sense (doubt) are both very common. The figurative use with 疑問符がつく is a set expression meaning that something is questionable or doubtful.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 疑問符がつく — to be questionable, to raise doubts
- 疑問符を付ける — to cast doubt on
- 疑問符が残る — doubts remain
- 大きな疑問符 — serious questions/doubts
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 感嘆符 — exclamation mark (!); the companion punctuation mark
- 疑問 — doubt, question; the base noun without the punctuation/symbol meaning
- はてなマーク — question mark (casual); used in everyday speech, especially when referring to the symbol visually